Key takeaways
- For touch input: The Surface Laptop 2 is the only one with a touchscreen.
- For macOS users: The 2018 MacBook Air is the natural pick for the Apple ecosystem.
- For Windows software: The Surface Laptop 2 runs the full Windows catalog.
- For portability: Both are slim and light; the Air edges slightly more compact.
- For value today: The Surface Laptop 2’s touchscreen and taller display add versatility for the money.
What's inside
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 and the 2018 MacBook Air are both aging premium ultraportables that now live primarily in the used and refurbished market. For budget buyers, they represent an interesting choice: two well-built machines from the same era, each carrying its platform’s strengths, available at a fraction of their original prices.
This comparison weighs the Surface Laptop 2 against the 2018 MacBook Air to help second-hand shoppers decide which makes more sense today, and points out where a slightly newer alternative or a display accessory might serve you better. Here’s how these classics stack up in 2026.
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Watch: Surface Laptop 2 Vs Macbook Air 2018: Full Comparison — Video Review
Quick Verdict
The Surface Laptop 2 wins on touchscreen, a taller more usable display, and Windows software flexibility, making it the better everyday productivity machine. The 2018 MacBook Air wins for macOS users who want the Apple ecosystem and a compact, refined build. Both are dated now, so if budget allows, a slightly newer model like the Surface Laptop Go 2 is worth considering, but between these two, the Surface Laptop 2 offers more versatility.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
The Surface Laptop 2 pairs an 8th-gen Intel Core i5 with a crisp, tall PixelSense touchscreen that remains one of its biggest advantages over any MacBook Air. Available in configurations like 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage, in platinum or black, it delivers a comfortable keyboard, a premium Alcantara-trimmed deck, and solid everyday performance for browsing, documents, and light work.
Windows flexibility means it runs the full range of Windows software, and the touchscreen adds a dimension the MacBook Air lacks entirely. As a refurbished buy, it offers strong value for productivity-focused users who want touch input and a familiar Windows environment.
Apple MacBook Air 2018
The 2018 MacBook Air marked Apple’s redesign with a Retina display and slim, refined aluminum build. For macOS users, it delivers the tight Apple ecosystem integration, iPhone continuity, a stable Unix foundation, and consistent software, in a famously portable package.
Its limitations show their age: no touchscreen, a lower-power dual-core processor in some configs, and the older keyboard design that had reliability concerns. Still, for someone committed to macOS who wants an affordable entry into the ecosystem, a refurbished 2018 Air remains a usable, elegant machine.
Head-to-Head: Which Should You Buy?
- For touch input: The Surface Laptop 2 is the only one with a touchscreen.
- For macOS users: The 2018 MacBook Air is the natural pick for the Apple ecosystem.
- For Windows software: The Surface Laptop 2 runs the full Windows catalog.
- For portability: Both are slim and light; the Air edges slightly more compact.
- For value today: The Surface Laptop 2’s touchscreen and taller display add versatility for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these laptops still worth buying in 2026?
As budget refurbished buys, yes, for light productivity. For anything demanding or future-proofing, a newer model like the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a better long-term choice.
Does the Surface Laptop 2 have a touchscreen?
Yes, its PixelSense touchscreen is a key advantage over the 2018 MacBook Air, which has no touch capability.
Which has better build quality?
Both are premium. The MacBook Air uses all-aluminum construction, while the Surface Laptop 2 adds an Alcantara-trimmed keyboard deck for a distinctive feel.
Should I consider a newer alternative?
If budget allows, yes. A refurbished Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a newer processor and Windows 11 Pro, providing more longevity than either 2018-era machine.
Final Verdict
Between these two classics, the Surface Laptop 2 is the more versatile pick thanks to its touchscreen, taller display, and Windows flexibility, while the 2018 MacBook Air suits committed macOS users. For the best long-term value, though, stretching to a newer refurbished model like the Surface Laptop Go 2 is the smarter move.
